Detachable canopy for a child carrying device

ABSTRACT

A detachable canopy for a child carrying device includes two hinged frame members covered with a plyable or light weight material. One covered frame member extends upwardly or generally vertically defining a combination canopy and head-rest portion while the second covered frame member is hinged to normally extend generally horizontally from the first frame member to define a canopy portion.

United States Patent 1 1 [11] 3,840,161 Boggs et a1. Oct. 8, 1974 1 DETACHABLE CANOPY FOR A CHILD 3,097,773 7/1963 Cunningham 226/6 CARRYING DEVICE 3,738,703 6/1973 Kunimatu 297/ 184 Inventors: Evelyn R. Boggs; Ernest R. Boggs,

both of 308 W. 7th, Leadville, Colo. 80461 Filed: Aug. 23, 1973 Appl. No.: 391,147

US. Cl 224/5.1, 224/6, 224/25 A, 297/184 Int. Cl A47d 15/00 Field of Search 224/5.1, 25 A, 5 J, 6; 135/5 C, 5 D; 297/184 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1927 Harold 224/5.l

Primary ExaminerRobert G. Sheridan Assistant Examiner-Jerold M. Forsberg Attorney, Agent, or Firm-H. W. Oberg, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT A detachable canopy for a child carrying device includes two hinged frame members covered with a plyable or light weight material. One covered frame member extends upwardly or generally vertically defining a combination canopy and head-rest portion while the second covered frame member is hinged to normally extend generally horizontally from the first frame member to define a canopy portion.

9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures DETACIIABLE CANOPY FOR A CHILD CARRYING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to canopies but more particularly, the invention relates to a combination canopyhead rest with a frame portion detachable from a child carrying device'of the back-pack variety.

Child carrying devices of the back-pack variety allow young children to be easily carried. .Those devices which consider the comfort of the back-packer as well as the child are the ones which are more preferred. Examples of such devices appear in US. Pat. Nos. 3.097,773 and 3,421,670.

While such carrying devices greatly improve the comfort of both adult and child, certain child comforts are disregarded. Itis generally recognized that any contribution made toward the comfort of a carried child, is a direct benefit to the patience and comfort of the back-packing adult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, a canopy is provided that is detachable from a child carrying device of the back-pack variety. The canopy includes two generally planar members that are hinged together. The hinge is operable through at least 90 and preferably through 270. One planar member is attachable to the carrying device and extends generally vertically. The second planar member extends generally horizontally and at 90 from the verticalmember. The horizontally disposed member defines a shade portion of the canopy and the vertically disposed member defines a combination shade-head-rest portion of the canopy.

One object of the invention is to provide a lightweight, weather-proof, canopy that is attachable to a frame portion of a child carrying device.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device that enhances the comfort of a child by shielding him from the weather and providing a head-rest.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a canopy which facilitates easy placement of a child in a child carrying device.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a simple means for easily attaching a canopy to a child carrying device having generally horizontally and vertically disposed frame members.

The primary advantage realized by the invention is improved comfort for a carried child and a backpacking adult.

These and other objects or advantages of the invention will be apparent by reviewing the drawings and description thereof wherein:

FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic side view of the canopy in use with a carrier and child in seated position.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged isometric exploded view looking from the front toward the rear of the canopy showing a preferred frame means attached to a frame portion of child carrying device.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged portional view of a preferred hinge of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the hinge of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a view showing alternate means for attaching the canopy to a frame portion of aback carrying device.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a canopy 10 or shade is provided in accordance with the invention that is detachable from a child carry device 12 of the back-pack variety. The child carrying device 12 may be of any known construction provided it includes a generally rigid frame. Examples of such devices and their detailed construction appear in the two aforementioned patents.

The more preferred child carrying devices, and as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 have a generally horizontally extending frame portion 14 and a generally vertically or canted frame portion 16 about which are slung a fabric seat 18 and a shoulder harness 20. i

The canopy 10 is attached to the frame portions of the child carrying device by means which are later explained. The canopy includes two generally planar members 22, 24 which are hinged at 26. One member 22 extends generally upwardly or vertically in relation to the child carrying device while the second planar member 24 is normally oriented generally horizontally. When a child carrying device is used which positions the child looking forward as shown in FIG. 1, the vertically extending planar member 22 is disposed rearwardly away from the adult. Of course, if a child carrying device were used which places the child facing rearwardly, the planar member 22 is disposed forwardly next to the adult.

It is important that the canopy 10 be of light-weight construction since it must be carried. Accordingly, a generally rigid frame covered with a light-weight material is used to define the planar members of the canopy. The frame may be of any suitable material such as fiber glass, wire, tubing or plastic. Similarly, the covering may be of any suitable material such as fabric, or plastic. More preferably, the frame portions are of wire for lightness of weight and adaptability to be deformed to provide attachment to a variety of differently shaped child carrying devices. It is preferred that the material be a water-proof fabric such as plastic coated nylon to provide added child protection, durability, lightness of weight, and ease of fabrication.

The generally vertically extending planar member 22 preferably includes a first generally U" shaped frame 26a. The open legs 28, 30 of the U frame define end portions 32, 34 for attachment to the frame portion of a carrying device while the bottom portion 31 of the U of the frame member defines a rigid support for a cover 36. Preferably, the end portions 32, 34 are bent slightly divergent relative to each other and include generally S shaped bends. The upper portions 38, 40 of the S bends extend outwardly from the legs 28, 30 and away from each other while the lower portions 42, 44 of the S bends extend generally toward each other. The bend radii of the S bends is generally equal to the cross sectional sizeof the frame portion 14 of the child carrying device and the spacing between the upper 38, 40 and lower 42, 44 end portions of each S bend generally correspond to the distance between the horizontal and canted frame members 14 and 16 of the child carrying device. The bend radii may be made slightly smaller than that of the frame members so it snaps securely to the frame portions.

The frame legs 28, 30 extend upwardly a sufficient distance above the carrier frame portion to clear the head of the child. Preferably, the legs extend a sufficient distance to position the second planar member above the head of the adult by at least one inch.

The generally horizontally extending planar member preferably includes a second generally U shape wire frame 46 where the open legs 48, 49 of the U are hinged to the first frame member.

The hinge 26 allows the horizontal planar member 24 to be pivoted at least substantially 90 and more preferably 270 in relation to the first planar member 22. A stop is included to hold the two frame members generally perpendicular in relation to each other when the canopy is in use. Preferably, the hinge is an integral part of the first and second frame members, and the stop is an integral part of the hinge to save weight. Referring more particularly to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, two loops 50, 52 are formed in the corners, or at the bottom portion of the U, of the first frame member. The loops 50, 52 are formed to extend preferably rearwardly of the first frame member.

' Two loops 54, 56 also formed in the legs 48, 50 of the second frame member. The loops 54, 56 extend preferably downwardly of the second frame and through the loops 50, 52 of the first frame. As shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 4, the loops 54, 56 of the second frame may be pivoted generally 270 degrees through the loops 50, 52 of the first frame. The loop arrangement locks to define a stop 53 which holds the frames at generally ninety degrees in relation to each other. An advantage of the 270 hinge is that it permits the planar I members to be folded back-to-back" for easy storage.

The frames 26a, 46 are covered with the flexible material to define the completed canopy. Individual covers may be used over the two frame members but a single cover 36 is preferred. The cover may be made by any of several known methods such as sewing, or molding. The cover may be attached to the frame by any known methods such as gluing, tie tabs, and riveting. For ease of attachment and cleaning, the cover is made in sack" or pillow case form such that the flatened sack has a Width corresponding to the width of the frame members. The cover is attached by slipping the open end 58 of the sack over the second frame hinge, and then the first frame member. Obviously, the length of the covering corresponds to the length of the frames. It is desirable to have the open end of the cover overlap the edge of fabric seat 18 to prevent moisture from dripping therein.

When the canopy is used, the outwardly extending bends 38, of the S attachment are slipped over generally horizontally oriented frame members 14 of a child carrying device. The end portions 32, 34 of the first frame are sprung inwardly and the bottom 42, 44 of the S bends are positioned inwardly of the generally vertical or canted frame portion of the child carrying device. The bias of the leg members in combination with the S bends of the frame legs, attaches and supports the canopy in proper position on the carrying device. The advantage of using a wire type frame should here be noted with particularity. The wire legs may be slightly bent to adjust the S shaped attachment to fit a variety of child carrying devices.

The second planar member 24 is folded back against the planar member .22 to permit easy and unobstructed placement of a child in the carrying device. Once the child is positioned in the carrying device, the second planar is pivoted back to a generally horizontal position.

Both the first and second planar members of the canopy shield the child from environmental elements such as sun, rain, wind and snow. The first planar member 22 also defines a head-rest which is particularly useful in supporting the head of a very small child, or the head of a resting or sleeping larger child.

ADDITIONAL SPECIES The covering 36 may further include awning portions around the planar members to provide further environmental protection. It is preferred that the awning por tions 60, 62 overlap each other 64 in the corner near the hinge to define a hinge locking means. A fastener, such as a snap, or clip interpositioned between the overlaped awning portions 60, 62 locks the hinge 26 to preclude displacement of the horizontal planar member in high winds. Optionally, loops 63 may be added at the frontal edge of the awning portion as a means for attaching toys.

String ties 68 are added at the lower edge of the cover for tying the cover to the carrying device. This assures that the covering will not be displaced upwardly when in use.

Referring to FIG. 5, an optional means for attaching the canopy to a carrying device is disclosed. The carrying device includes an open tube portion 70 through which is inserted a leg 72 of a canopy frame member. A locking pin 74 is inserted through the tube and frame to lock the parts together.

Referring to FIG. 6, another means for attaching the canopy to a frame is depicted. Plastic clips 76, 78 are provided which have tabs that snap or clip over the frame of the carrying device. The end portions of the frame extend into holes 80, 82 of the clip. A blind hole 82 is optionally provided in the bottom clip to prevent the canopy from sliding up and down on the child carrying device.

The foregoing detailed description is presented for illustration only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is to be determined from the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A canopy for use in combination with a child carrying device of the backpack type having child support means, frame means, and shoulder strap means, the canopy comprising:

first and second generally planar members with frame means;

a hinge means interpositioned at points of connection between the first and second planar members for pivoting the planar members relative to each other;

stop means for limiting the movement of the planar members relative to each other such that the planar members are normally positioned at an angle relative to each other; and

means for attaching one of the planar members to the frame means of the carrying device to have one planar member extend generally vertically and the other member to extend generally horizontally.

2. A canopy as set forth in claim 1 comprising:

a first generally U-shaped frame member having a bottom portion interpositioned between two leg portions;

a second generally U-shaped frame member having a bottom portion interpositioned between two leg portions, the bottom portion of the first frame member attached to the leg portions of the second member through said hinge means; and

at least one cover disposed over the first and second frame members, the first frame member and a portion of the cover constituting said first planar member and the second frame member and a portion of the cover constituting the second planar member.

3. A canopy as set forth in claim 1 comprising: two loops formed in the first frame member between the bottom and each leg portion of the first frame,

two loops formed in the second frame member at the end of and at generally 90 in relation to the leg portions of the second member, one loop of a leg of the second frame member extending through a loop of the first frame member, the interconnecting loops of the frame members constituting said hinge means and said stop means.

4. A canopy as set forth in claim 2 wherein the end portions of the legs of the first frame member are divergent and are formed in a general 8 shape. The S shaped portions interconnectable with the frame members of the carrying device, and the divergently S bent leg portions of the first frame member constituting said attaching means.

5. A canopy as set forth in claim 2 comprising a sack of fabric open on at least one end and having a width substantially the same as the width of the first and second frame members, and a length generally equal to the cumulative length of the frame members, the sack disposed over the first and second frame members defining said cover.

6. A canopy as set forth in claim 5 comprising:

an awning attached and extending along the peripheral closed edges of the sack, the awning overlaped at two points near said hinge; and

fasteners interpositioned between the overlaped awning, the fasteners in combination with the overlaped awning defining a lock for said hinge;

means for tying the said fasteners to the child carrying device, the fasteners and tying means defining a lock for said hinge.

7. A canopy as set forth in claim 6 and further including at least two string ties disposed near the open ends of the sack, the ties defining said tying means.

8. A canopy as set forth in claim 2 and further including a plurality of plastic clips interpositioned between the leg portions of the first frame member and the frame members of the child carrying device, said clips defining said attaching means.

9. A canopy as set forth in cliam 2 and further including a plurality of loops attached to the cover and disposed near the bottom portion of the second frame member, the loops definingmeans for attaching articles to the canopy. 

1. A canopy for use in combination with a child carrying device of the back-pack type having child support means, frame means, and shoulder strap means, the canopy comprising: first and second generally planar members with frame means; a hinge means interpositioned at points of connection between the first and second planar members for pivoting the planar members relative to each other; stop means for limiting the movement of the planar members relative to each other such that the planar members are normally positioned at an angle relative to each other; and means for attaching one of the planar members to the frame means of the carrying device to have one planar member extend generally vertically and the other member to extend generally horizontally.
 2. A canopy as set forth in claim 1 comprising: a first generally U-shaped frame member having a bottom portion interpositioned between two leg portions; a second generally U-shaped frame member having a bottom portion interpositioned between two leg portions, the bottom portion of the first frame member attached to the leg portions of the second member through said hinge means; and at least one cover disposed over the first and second frame members, the first frame member and a portion of the cover constituting said first planar member and the second frame member and a portion of the cover constituting the second planar member.
 3. A canopy as set forth in claim 1 comprising: two loops formed in the first frame member between the bottom and each leg portion of the first frame, two loops formed in the second frame member at the end of and at generally 90* in relation to the leg portions of the second member, one loop of a leg of the second frame member extending through a loop of the first frame member, the interconnecting loops of the frame members constituting said hinge means and said stop means.
 4. A canopy as set forth in claim 2 wherein the end portions of the legs of the first frame member are divergent and are formed in a general S shape. The S shaped portions interconnectable with the frame members of the carrying device, and the divergently S bent leg portions of the first frame member constituting said attaching means.
 5. A canopy as set forth in claim 2 comprising a sack of fabric open on at least one end and having a width substantially the same as the width of the first and second frame members, and a length generally equal to the cumulative length of the frame members, the sack disposed over the first and second frame members defining said cover.
 6. A canopy as set forth in claim 5 comprising: an awning attached and extending along the peripheral closed edges of the sack, the awning overlaped at two points near said hinge; and fasteners interpositioned between the overlaped awning, the fasteners in combination with the overlaped awning defining a lock for said hinge; means for tying the said fastEners to the child carrying device, the fasteners and tying means defining a lock for said hinge.
 7. A canopy as set forth in claim 6 and further including at least two string ties disposed near the open ends of the sack, the ties defining said tying means.
 8. A canopy as set forth in claim 2 and further including a plurality of plastic clips interpositioned between the leg portions of the first frame member and the frame members of the child carrying device, said clips defining said attaching means.
 9. A canopy as set forth in cliam 2 and further including a plurality of loops attached to the cover and disposed near the bottom portion of the second frame member, the loops defining means for attaching articles to the canopy. 